High efficiency liquid filtration system and method for using the same

ABSTRACT

A high efficiency, self-cleaning system for separating solid materials from liquids. The system includes a primary housing having at least one inlet and a plurality of cylindrical filter cartridges therein which are directly adjacent to and in close proximity with each other. The lower end of each cartridge is positioned on a spring-biased bearing member, with the upper end having an opening therein. Positioned within the opening and connected to each cartridge is a tubular shaft attached to a pulley-type motor drive system. The drive system is used to rotate the cartridges in a selected direction. In operation, fluids to be filtered enter the housing and come in direct contact with the rotating cartridges. Rotation of the multiple cartridges and close proximity of the cartridges to each other creates fluid turbulence within the housing. This turbulence scrubs collected solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow into the cartridges. Fluids collected within the cartridges pass into the tubular shafts and out of the system. As a result, the fluids are effectively filtered in a rapid and efficient manner while minimizing system down-time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to filtration systems forseparating solid materials from liquids, and more particularly to afiltration system which incorporates multiple, rotating filter units ofcylindrical design in a specialized configuration in order to provideenhanced filtration capacity.

Liquid filtration systems play an important role in a wide variety ofindustrial and commercial processes. In addition, high efficiencyfiltration systems are currently being using in numerous medicalapplications, including but not limited to blood filtration and theseparation of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria) from biological or otherfluids. In this regard, recent advances in separation technology havecreated filtration systems which are capable of removing solid materialsof a very small size from selected liquids. Many of these systemsinvolve the use of a sophisticated membrane structure associated with acylindrical cartridge unit. Membrane-type cartridge units are basicallydescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,790,942; 4,867,878; 4,876,013; 4,906,379;4,911,847; and 5,000,848. All of these references disclose single,membrane-type rotating cartridge units and/or components associatedtherewith.

Notwithstanding the foregoing filtration units and components, a needexists for a filtration system which is capable of removing substantialquantities of solid materials from liquids or slurries having largeamounts of solids therein. Normally, when the filtration of thesematerials is attempted using conventional filter systems, filtrationefficiency decreases substantially for numerous reasons. Primarily, theexposed surfaces of the filtration media become clogged or blocked withsolid materials, thereby slowing the separation process and decreasingfilter life. This situation also results in decreased filtrationcapacity due to a continuing need to deactivate and clean the filtersystem. As a result, the volume of fluid materials to be treated withina given time period is minimized. Problems of this nature typicallyoccur in a wide variety of situations involving many types of liquid orslurry materials including but not limited to yeast slurries and beertest samples in the brewing industry, petroleum products, dairyby-products, medical compositions and the like.

The present invention represents a unique, self-cleaning filtrationsystem which is characterized by a high degree of operating efficiency.The invention specifically involves a specialized filtration apparatuswhich enables the removal of solid materials from liquids having a highconcentration of suspended solids therein. Also, large volumes of liquidmaterials may be filtered in a minimal amount of time. These goals areaccomplished while avoiding the problems listed above. The presentinvention therefore represents an advance in the art of high efficiencyfiltration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a filtration systemof improved efficiency and operating capacity.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved filtrationsystem which is capable of removing solids from fluid materials having ahigh suspended solids content.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved filtrationsystem which incorporates a self-cleaning function, thereby minimizingsystem down-time.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improvedfiltration system which uses a minimal number of operating components.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide an improvedfiltration system wherein the components thereof are highly durable andcharacterized by a long life span.

It is an even further object of the invention to provide an improvedfiltration system wherein multiple cylindrical filter cartridges inclose proximity with each other are used in connection with a drivesystem for simultaneously rotating all of the cartridges, with thesimultaneous rotation of such cartridges and the close proximity thereofto each other resulting in an enhanced degree of filtration capacity.

It is an even further object of the invention to provide a highlyefficient filtration method which is implemented using the specializedfiltration system described herein.

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention involvesa unique and efficient system for separating solid materials fromliquids and slurries. The invention may be used in connection with awide variety of materials, and shall not be limited to the filtration ofany specific compositions. As discussed in greater detail below, thefiltration system described herein is characterized by an improvedoperating capacity with respect to (1) the separation efficiency of thesystem, and (2) the amount of fluid materials which may be treated in agiven time period. In addition, the system described below has aself-cleaning capability which likewise enhances the operatingefficiency of the system while reducing system down-time. These goalsare all accomplished using a specialized arrangement of components whichare configured in a unique manner.

The high efficiency filtration system of the present invention consistsof a primary housing having at least one inlet port therein. Positionedwithin the primary housing is a plurality of elongate filter cartridgeunits. The filter cartridge units are positioned directly adjacent eachother and oriented vertically within the housing. It is preferred that,within the housing, any one of the filter cartridge units is separatedfrom adjacent cartridge units by a distance not less than about 0.1inch. This distance is sufficient to create a high degree of fluidturbulence between and around the cartridge units which correspondinglyincreases filtration capacity and prevents the collection of packedsolid materials on the exterior surface of each cartridge unit.

The present invention shall not be limited with respect to the number offilter cartridge units being used. However, in a preferred embodiment,three cartridge units are vertically positioned within the housing in atriangular arrangement wherein each of the cartridge units are spacedequidistantly from each other by a distance not less than about 0.1inch.

Each cartridge unit includes a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a closedlower end, and a tubular side wall portion. The side wall portion isconstructed of a selected filter material. In an optimum and preferredembodiment, the filter material will consist of sintered stainlesssteel, although other filter materials known in the art and suitable forthe purposes set forth herein may likewise be used. Each cartridge unitfurther includes an interior region therein surrounded entirely by thetubular side wall portion which is adapted to receive fluids which passthrough the filter material used to construct the side wall portion. Sothat collected fluids may ultimately leave the interior region, eachcartridge unit further includes an outlet or opening at the upper endthereof.

In a specific and preferred embodiment of the invention, each of thefilter cartridge units includes a rigid, durable core member positionedwithin the interior region thereof. The core member preferably includesa medial section having a first end, a second end, an upper cap membersecured to the first end, and a lower cap member secured to the secondend. The upper cap member has an elongate opening which passes partiallythrough the upper cap member in a downward direction. The upper capmember further includes a longitudinal bore therethrough which is influid communication with the elongate opening in the upper cap memberand substantially perpendicular thereto.

The tubular side wall portion of each cartridge unit likewise includesan upper end and a lower end. In a preferred embodiment, the upper capmember described above is fixedly secured to the upper end of the sidewall portion. Likewise, the lower cap member is fixedly secured to thelower end of the side wall portion. In this configuration, the medialportion of the core member is positioned entirely within the interiorregion of the selected cartridge unit. Because the diameter of themedial portion is less than the diameter of the interior region of eachcartridge unit, the medial portion is spaced inwardly from the side wallportion to form a fluid flow passageway therebetween. As described ingreater detail below, this arrangement of components enables fluidswhich pass through the side wall portion to travel through the foregoingpassageway, pass through the longitudinal bore in the Upper cap memberof the core member, and out of the core member through the elongateopening in the upper cap member. In this manner, the filtered fluid isable to pass outwardly from each cartridge unit for collection asdescribed below. While this type of cartridge design is preferred withrespect to the present invention, other cartridge units of differingdesign may also be used. Accordingly, the filtration system describedherein shall not be limited to any specific type of filter cartridgeunit or comparable structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the primary housingalso includes a cartridge unit support member therein which comprises aplanar upper surface having a plurality of openings therein. Each of theopenings extends partially through the cartridge unit support member,and further includes a biasing member therein preferably in the form ofa spring which is inserted entirely within each opening. Positioned ontop of each biasing member is a bearing member with an upper surface anda lower surface. The lower surface of each bearing member rests on thebiasing member, while the lower end of one of the cartridge units ispositioned on the upper surface of the bearing member. In thisconfiguration, the lower end of each cartridge unit rests on one of thebearing members so that the cartridge unit may rotate relative to thecartridge unit support member. Cartridge rotation in this manner is akey functional attribute of the present invention. It should also benoted that the cartridge unit support member includes multiple drainagebores therein as described below.

Each of the filter cartridge units is operatively connected to drivemeans which rotates the cartridge units during operation of thefiltration system. To connect the cartridge units to the drive means, atubular shaft member is attached to each cartridge unit. Each shaftmember includes an open first end, a closed second end, and a medialportion therebetween. The medial portion includes a tubular outer walland an internal passageway surrounded by the outer wall. The outer wallfurther includes at least one port through the medial portion of theshaft member between the first end and the second end which providesaccess to the internal passageway. The first end of each shaft member isoperatively connected to the open upper end of one of the cartridgeunits. In a preferred embodiment wherein each cartridge unit includes acore member with upper and lower cap members, the first end of eachshaft member is operatively connected to the upper cap member andpositioned within the elongate opening therein. In this manner, fluidmaterials leaving each cartridge unit pass into and through the internalpassageway of the shaft member associated therewith. The second end ofeach shaft member is operatively connected to the drive means asdescribed below.

In an optimum and preferred embodiment of the invention, a secondaryhousing is provided which is attached to and positioned on top of theprimary housing. The secondary housing includes a longitudinal axis anda plurality of main bores therethrough, with each main bore beingparallel to the longitudinal axis. Each of the main bores is sized toreceive the medial portion of one of the shaft members. Specifically,the diameter of each main bore is greater than the diameter of therespective shaft member positioned therein so that the shaft member isfreely rotatable within its respective bore. It should also be notedthat each of the shaft members is preferably of sufficient length sothat the second end thereof extends outwardly from and above thesecondary housing, with the first end thereof extending outwardly fromand below the secondary housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the secondary housing further includes aplurality of fluid delivery passageways therethrough, with eachpassageway being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the secondaryhousing and extending radially inward through the secondary housing tothe center thereof. Each fluid delivery passageway includes a first endand a second end. The first end of each fluid delivery passagewayterminates at the external surface of the secondary housing, and isblocked using a plug member inserted therein. The second end of eachfluid delivery passageway extends inwardly and terminates at a positionremotely spaced from the main bores. In a preferred embodiment, thesecond ends of the fluid delivery passageways converge at the center ofthe secondary housing. At this position, they are placed in fluidcommunication with a fluid collection bore which extends upwardly withinthe secondary housing. The fluid collection bore is substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the secondary housing, and isremotely spaced from the main bores having the shaft members therein. Inaddition, the fluid collection bore is ultimately connected to anexternal fluid collection conduit which leads out of the secondaryhousing. Using this arrangement of components, fluids passing outwardlyfrom each filter cartridge unit flow through the shaft member associatedtherewith. The fluids thereafter exit each shaft member through the portin the medial portion thereof, pass into each main bore through thesecondary housing, and thereafter pass into the fluid deliverypassageways. As a result, fluid materials within the fluid deliverypassageways are directed out of the secondary housing though the fluidcollection bore and the external fluid collection conduit.

The drive means associated with the filtration system is an integral andimportant part of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, thedrive means consists of multiple annular pulley members, with eachpulley member being connected to the second end of one of the shaftmembers. Connection in this manner is facilitated since the second endof each shaft member extends above and outwardly from the secondaryhousing of the filtration system. A continuous belt is operativelyconnected to and in simultaneous engagement with all of the pulleymembers, The belt is also operatively connected to a motor unit designedto move the belt and each of the pulley members. In this manner, all ofthe cartridge units are simultaneously rotated by the drive means at thesame speed.

In a preferred embodiment, the belt may be positioned on the pulleymembers in an orientation which enables all of the pulley members (andcartridge units associated therewith) to rotate in the same direction.Alternatively, the belt may be positioned on the pulley members in aserpentine configuration wherein one portion of the belt is positionedbetween one or more of the pulley members and the rest of the belt ispositioned around the remaining pulley members. This configurationenables one or more of the pulley members to rotate in one direction,with the remaining pulley members rotating in the opposite direction. Incertain applications involving the treatment of specific fluids, thisalternative configuration will create additional fluid turbulence andenhanced operating capacity as described below.

Operation of the system described herein results in superior filtrationefficiency. This is especially true with respect to fluids having a highsuspended solids content. In order to use the filtration system of thepresent invention, a selected liquid having suspended solids therein isrouted into the inlet port of the primary housing so that the fluid isplaced in physical contact with and between the filter cartridge unitsin the primary housing. Next, the drive means (e.g. the motor unit) isactivated to cause movement of the belt and pulley members connectedthereto. Movement of the pulley members causes corresponding movement ofthe shaft members and the filter cartridge units attached to the shaftmembers. As a result, the filter cartridge units rapidly spin within theprimary housing in a closely adjacent relationship. Depending on themanner in which the belt is positioned on the pulley members, the filtercartridge units will either rotate in the same direction or at least onecartridge unit will rotate in one direction with the remaining cartridgeunits rotating in an opposite direction. The directional characteristicsof the filter cartridge units will vary, based on the specific materialsbeing filtered and the solids content thereof, with the selection of anyparticular configuration being determined in accordance with preliminarypilot tests on the fluids being treated. Regardless of the directionalcharacteristics of the filter cartridge units, they will all rotate atthe same speed (e.g. about 500-4000 rpm [2500 rpm=optimum] in apreferred embodiment).

Rotation of the filter cartridge units in combination with the closeproximity of the cartridge units to each other will create aconsiderable degree of fluid agitation around and between the units.This agitation (which involves the formation of Taylor vortices as wellas other unique and uncharacterized phenomena) greatly enhances thefiltration capacity of the system compared with systems which involvesingle cartridge units. Fluid agitation between and around the filtercartridge units creates a "self-cleaning" function wherein solidmaterials which collect on the exterior surface of each cartridge unitare effectively scrubbed therefrom. As a result, the need to constantlydeactivate the system for cleaning is avoided. In addition, the enhanceddegree of agitation and rapid fluid motion around and between the filtercartridge units increases fluid pressure levels within the primaryhousing, thereby accelerating the entry of fluid materials into thecartridge units. As a result, filtration speed is increased whichcorrespondingly increases the amount of fluid materials which may betreated using the system of the present invention. Other benefitsachieved in accordance with the invention will be described in greaterdetail below.

As the fluids come in contact with the side wall portion of each filtercartridge unit (which is comprised of filter materials), they will passtherethrough with any solid materials remaining in the primary housingfor subsequent collection or disposal. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention as described above, fluids within the sidewall portion of each filter cartridge unit enter the passageway betweenthe side wall portion and the core member, with the fluids thereafterflowing through the longitudinal bore and elongate opening in the uppercap member. Fluid flow in this manner occurs because the longitudinalbore and elongate opening in the upper cap member are in fluidcommunication with the fluid flow passageway between the side wallportion and the core member as discussed below. The filtered fluids thenleave each cartridge unit and flow through the tubular shaft memberassociated therewith. The fluids thereafter leave each shaft memberthrough the port in the outer wall thereof, pass into the fluid deliverypassageways within the secondary housing, and ultimately enter the fluidcollection bore as described above. Fluids within the fluid collectionbore are thereafter routed through the external fluid collectionconduit, and into a suitable storage vessel, container, or the like(depending on whether the collected fluids are to be retained ordiscarded). It should be noted that the foregoing fluid collectionprocess takes place in a continuous manner while the filtration systemis operating (e.g. while the filter cartridge units are rotating withinthe primary housing). Likewise, the fluid collection process describedherein may be varied as necessary in accordance with the specificstructural configuration of the cartridge units being used.

The present invention represents an advance in the art of fluidtreatment. The filtration system described herein is characterized by animproved filtration capacity with respect to (1) the separationefficiency of the system, and (2) the amount fluid materials which maybe treated within a given time period. In addition, the system has aself-cleaning capability which enhances the operating efficiency thereofwhile reducing system down-time. These and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention will now be described in the following BriefDescription of the Drawings and Detailed Description of PreferredEmbodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a multi-cartridge filtrationsystem produced in accordance with the present invention in an assembledconfiguration.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the filtration system of FIG.1 partially illustrating the drive means, primary housing, secondaryhousing, filter cartridge units, and components associated therewith.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view (partially in cross-section) of arepresentative filter cartridge unit, cartridge unit support member, andcomponents associated therewith which are used in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an assembled view (partially in cross-section) of the filtercartridge unit, a portion of the cartridge unit support member, andcomponents associated therewith which are used in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the secondary housing of the systemof FIG. 1 illustrating the main bores and fluid delivery passagewayswithin the secondary housing, wherein the shaft members and associatedcomponents have been removed.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5which illustrates a representative main bore and fluid deliverypassageway within the secondary housing of the system of FIG. 1, as wellas a representative shaft member and associated components within themain bore.

FIG. 7 is cross-sectional view of the primary housing of the system ofFIG. 1 illustrating the relative distances between the filter cartridgeunits, and the distances between the filter cartridge units and theprimary housing.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the system of FIG. 1wherein the belt guard has been removed to illustrate the orientation ofthe drive belt around the pulley members associated with the filtercartridge units.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the system of FIG. 1wherein the belt guard has been removed to illustrate an alternativeorientation of the drive belt relative to the pulley members associatedwith the filter cartridge units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As described above, the present invention involves a highly unique andefficient fluid treatment system which is characterized by a pluralityof rotating cylindrical filter cartridge units. The use of multiplerotating filter cartridge units in close proximity with each otherenhances the filtration capacity of the entire system due to fluidturbulence created between and around the cartridge units as discussedin greater detail below. Furthermore, the system of the presentinvention is applicable to a wide variety of fluids and slurries havingsuspended solids therein, and shall not be limited to the treatment ofany specific fluid materials for any particular purpose.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the multi-cartridge filtration system ofthe present invention is generally designated at reference number 10.Each of the various components of the system 10 will be describedindividually below. First, representative rotatable filter cartridgeunits 12, 14, 16 which are suitable for use with the filtration system10 are illustrated in FIG. 2. Each of the filter cartridge units 12, 14,16 is identical in structure, function, design, and capability. Whilethe filtration system 10 as described herein is illustrated inconnection with three separate filter cartridge units 12, 14, 16, thepresent invention shall not be limited to this specific number of units.In particular, the filtration system 10 may be used in connection withtwo or more rotatable filter cartridge units, with the ultimate numberof cartridge units depending on the size and environment in which thesystem 10 is to be used.

With reference to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of cartridge unit 12 isillustrated. All of the functional and structural characteristics ofcartridge unit 12 as described herein are applicable to cartridge units14, 16 unless otherwise indicated. As illustrated in FIG. 3, thecartridge unit 12 is of substantially cylindrical design, and firstincludes an open upper end 20, a closed lower end 22, a medial portion24, and a longitudinal axis "A₁ ". The open character of the upper end20 and the closed character of the lower end 22 will be described ingreater detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the medial portion 24consists of a tubular side wall portion 28 which is circular incross-section. The term "tubular" as used herein shall generally signifyan elongate structure having a bore or passageway therethroughsurrounded by a continuous wall. The side wall portion 28 ismanufactured of filter material and is designed to separate suspendedsolids from fluids or slurries during operation of the filtration system10. In a preferred and optimum embodiment, the side wall portion 28 ismanufactured of sintered metal (e.g. stainless steel, titanium,aluminum, tantalum, and the like). Sintering basically involves theadhesion of metallic particles to each other at temperatures below themelting point of the metals being used. As a result, a durable structurewith microscopic pores is formed. A preferred metal used to produce theside wall portion 28 is sintered stainless steel. Such a materialnormally has a porosity of about 75-85%, with an average pore sizeranging from about 3-100 microns depending on the productioncharacteristics selected during the sintering process. The particularfilter material to be chosen for a desired application will depend onthe size of the suspended solids to be filtered, and the environment inwhich the filtration system 10 is to be used. Thus, the presentinvention shall not be limited to any particular pore size in theselected filter material.

As noted above, sintered stainless steel is a preferred material for usein connection with the side wall portion 28 of the filter cartridge unit12. This material is highly durable and resistant against numerouscorrosive compositions (e.g. salt water, phosphoric acid, and organicacids). A tubular side wall portion 28 manufactured from sinteredstainless steel is commercially available under the name SIKA-FIL fromNewmet Krebsoge, Inc. of Terryville, Conn. (USA).

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the tubular side wall portion 28further includes an upper end 32, a lower end 34, and an interior region36 therein. The side wall portion 28 is continuous in configuration andentirely surrounds the interior region 36. In a preferred embodiment,positioned within the interior region 36 is a rigid core member 40. Thecore member 40 is preferably manufactured from an inert plastic known inthe art (e.g. polysulfone). However, the core member 40 may beconstructed from a number of different compositions, and shall not belimited to this particular material. The core member 40 includes amedial section 42 having a first end 44 and a second end 46 asillustrated in FIG. 3. The first end 44 includes dual openings 47, 48therein which are substantially aligned with each other as shown. Themedial section 42 further includes a tubular exterior wall 49 which iscontinuous in design (except with respect to openings 47, 48), andentirely surrounds an internal cavity 50 within the core member 40. Asshown in FIG. 3, the diameter "D₁ " of the medial section 42 of the coremember 40 is less than the diameter "D₂ " of the interior region 36 oftubular side wall portion 28 described above. This configurationalrelationship and the benefits thereof will be described in greaterdetail below.

Fixedly secured to the first end 44 of the medial section 42 of coremember 40 using a conventional adhesive composition (e.g. acyanoacrylate or epoxy resin adhesive known in the art) is an upper capmember 52. The upper cap member 52 is preferably made of the samematerial used to construct the medial section 42, and includes an innerend 53 and an outer end 54. Positioned between the inner end 53 and theouter end 54 at a location adjacent the inner end 53 is a longitudinalbore 55 passing entirely through the upper cap member 52 having alongitudinal axis "A₂ " which is substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis "A₁ " described above. The longitudinal bore 55further includes an open first end 56 and open second end 58 asdiscussed in greater detail below.

The inner end 53 of the upper cap member 52 further includes aninwardly-extending portion 60 of narrowed diameter which includes thebore 55 therethrough (FIG. 3). The inwardly-extending portion 60 issized to fit within the internal cavity 50 of the medial section 42 ofcore member 40. To the secure the inwardly extending portion 60 of theupper cap member 52 to and within the first end 44 of the medial section42 as illustrated, adhesive materials of the type described above may beapplied to the first end 44, the inwardly-extending portion 60, or toboth of these structures. When the upper cap member 52 is properlyattached, the first end 56 of the bore 55 will be aligned with theopening 47 in the first end 44 of the core member 40 (FIG. 3). Likewise,the second end 58 of the bore 55 will be aligned with the opening 48 inthe first end 44 of core member 40.

The upper cap member 52 further includes an elongate opening 70 whichextends partially through the cap member 52 in a downward direction(FIG. 3). The opening 70 has a longitudinal axis "A₃ " which is axiallyaligned with the longitudinal axis "A₁ " of the filter cartridge unit 12and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "A₂ " of the bore 55. In thisconfiguration, the elongate opening 70 is substantially perpendicular toand in fluid communication with the bore 55 as illustrated. The elongateopening 70 has an upper end 72, a lower end 76, and an intermediatesection 78. The lower end 76 terminates at the bore 55 and is in fluidcommunication therewith. In this configuration, the elongate opening 70does not pass entirely through the upper cap member 52, and insteadterminates at the longitudinal bore 55. Finally, at least a portion 82of the intermediate section 78 is preferably square in cross-section asdescribed in greater detail below. As discussed below, the opening 70functions as an outlet in the upper end 20 of the cartridge unit 12.

To secure the upper cap member 52 to the side wall portion 28 ofcartridge 12, the upper cap member 52 includes an annular flange 83designed for attachment to and within the side wall portion 28. Aselected adhesive material of the same type described above is appliedto the flange 83, the upper end 32 of the side wall portion 28 or toboth of these structures. As a result, the upper cap member 52 iseffectively secured to the side wall portion 28 of cartridge unit 12.

Fixedly secured to the second end 46 of the medial section 42 of coremember 40 using a conventional adhesive composition of the typedescribed above is a lower cap member 90. The lower cap member 90 ispreferably made of the same material used to construct the medialsection 42 and upper cap member 52, and further includes an inner end92, an outer end 94, and a medial section 98 therebetween. The outer end94 includes a substantially frustoconical opening 100 therein whichextends into the medial section 98 of the lower cap member 90 but doesnot pass entirely therethrough. The opening 100 has a longitudinal axis"A₄ " which is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis "A₁ " of thecartridge unit 12. The function of opening 100 will be described ingreater detail below.

The inner end 92 of the lower cap member 90 further includes aninwardly-extending section 102 of narrowed diameter which is sized tofit within the internal cavity 50 of the medial section 42 of coremember 40. To the secure the lower cap member 90 to the second end 46 ofthe medial section 42 as illustrated, adhesive materials of the typedescribed above may be applied to the second end 46, theinwardly-extending section 102 of the lower cap member 90, or to both ofthese structures.

To secure the lower cap member 90 to the side wall portion 28 of thecartridge unit 12, the outer end 94 of the cap member includes anannular flange 106 which is designed for attachment to and within thelower end 34 of the side wall portion 28. A selected adhesivecomposition of the same type described above relative to upper capmember 52 is then applied to the lower end 34 of the side wall portion28, the annular flange 106, or to both of these structures.

As stated above, FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of thecartridge unit 12 having the core member 40 therein. The diameter "D₁ "of the medial section 42 is less than the diameter "D₂ " of the interiorregion 36 of side wall portion 28 as previously noted. In thisconfiguration, the medial section 42 of the core member 40 is spacedinwardly from the side wall portion 28 (e.g., inwardly from the interiorsurface 116 thereof) to form a fluid flow passageway 118 between thecore member 40 and the side wall portion 28. As shown in FIG. 3, thefluid flow passageway 118 extends along the entire length of the medialsection 42 of core member 40.

The specific design of filter cartridge unit 12 as described above ispreferred for use with the filtration system 10. However, the presentinvention shall not be limited to the particular design and materialsassociated with cartridge unit 12. Sintered metal materials other thanstainless steel may be used, and the internal configuration of theselected cartridge units may also be varied. In addition, non-metalliccartridge units may be used in the system 10, including but not limitedto one or more of the membrane-type structures described above in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,790,942; 4,867,878; 4,876,013; 4,906,379; 4,911,847; and5,000,848. However, sintered metal cartridge units are preferred, andprovide superior longevity. Cartridge durability in the system 10 isimportant because of significant fluid turbulence created between therotating multiple cartridge units 12, 14, 16 described above. Testsconducted using membrane-type cartridge units have demonstrated thatmembrane disruption and deterioration may occur when high rotationalspeeds are involved (e.g. speeds above about 2500-3000 rpm). Thus, whilemembrane-type cartridge units will operate in the system 10 undercontrolled rotational conditions, cartridge units using sintered metalstructures are preferred since they are substantially unaffected by highrotational speeds.

As indicated above, the system 10 may involve two or more filtercartridge units, with the total number of cartridge units depending onthe environment in which the system 10 is to be used. However, it ispreferred that the system 10 use three filter cartridge units 12, 14, 16positioned in a triangular arrangement schematically shown in FIG. 7. Inthe triangular arrangement of FIG. 7, each of the filter cartridge units12, 14, 16 is positioned at and centered on one of the apices 120, 122,124 of an equilateral triangle 126. In this configuration, the cartridgeunits 12, 14, 16 are spaced equidistantly from each other by a distance"D₃ " which is preferably not less than about 0.1 inch. The distance "D₃" may be greater than 0.1 inch as desired and determined by preliminarypilot studies on the fluid being treated. Accordingly, the presentinvention shall not be limited to the particular design described abovewhich is provided herein as a preferred embodiment. Regardless of theselected design, it is preferred that each cartridge unit be separatedfrom any adjacent cartridge units by the distance "D₃ " recited above.

All of the cartridge units 12, 14, 16 are positioned within a primaryhousing 150 which is preferably circular in cross-section and made oftransparent plastic (FIGS. 1-2). The primary housing 150 furtherincludes an annular side wall 152, an upper end 154, a lower end 156,and an internal chamber 160 therein which is entirely surrounded by theside wall 152 (FIG. 1). Passing through the side wall 152 is a bore 162which functions as an inlet port. In a preferred embodiment, the bore162 will have a flexible conduit 163 (e.g. made of rubber or the like)frictionally or adhesively affixed therein which is used to introducefluid materials into the primary housing 150. The upper end 154 of theprimary housing 150 may also include a threaded region 166 (FIG. 2) inthe exterior surface 168 thereof, the function of which will bedescribed below.

With reference to FIG. 1, the bottom portion 170 of the internal chamber160 includes a conical section 172 with inwardly sloping side walls 174.The side walls 174 lead into a center bore 176 which passes entirelythrough the lower end 156 of the housing 150. The bore 176 functions asan outlet port as further described below, and preferably includes aflexible drain conduit 177 (e.g. made of rubber or the like)frictionally or adhesively affixed therein. The drain conduit 177 alsoincludes a conventional stopcock assembly 178 attached thereto asdiscussed below.

Positioned partially with the conical section 172 in the internalchamber 160 (FIG. 1) is a cartridge unit support member 180 shown inenlarged format in FIGS. 3-4. The cartridge unit support member 180includes an upper portion 182 which is substantially circular incross-section. The cartridge unit support member 180 further includes asubstantially conical lower portion 188 which extends partially into theconical section 172 of the internal chamber 160 (FIG. 1). As a result,an open zone 190 is formed between the conical lower portion 188 and thesloping side walls 174 within the chamber 160 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

With reference to FIGS. 3-4, the upper portion 182 of the cartridge unitsupport member 180 includes a planar upper surface 200 having multipledrainage bores 202 therein which pass entirely through the supportmember 180 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The number of drainage bores 202may be varied, and the present invention shall not be limited to anyparticular quantity of bores 202. In addition, the cartridge unitsupport member 180 further includes a plurality of openings 206 therein(FIG. 2), with each opening extending partially through the supportmember 180. One of the openings 206 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Only oneopening 206 is shown in FIG. 3 since the other two openings 206illustrated in FIG. 2 would not be visible in the cross-sectional viewof FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, each opening 206 extends through theupper portion 182 of the support member 180 and terminates above theconical lower portion 188. The precise number of openings 206 in thesupport member 180 will equal the number of cartridge units to be usedin the system 10 (e.g. three in the embodiment described herein).

Each opening 206 (which is preferably circular in cross-section)includes an annular interior side wall 220 and a lower section 221 ofnarrowed diameter with a substantially planar bottom surface 222. Inaddition, each opening 206 is designed to receive a biasing member 226therein as shown in FIGS. 3-4. The biasing member 226 preferablyconsists of a conical coil spring 228 of standard design which issmaller than that of its respective opening 206 so that the spring 228may be placed therein as illustrated. Also, the spring 228 preferablyhas a bottom portion 229 of narrowed diameter which is designed forplacement within the lower section 221 of the opening 206. As a result,the bottom portion 229 of the spring 228 will rest on the bottom surface222 of the opening 206 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Other types of biasingmembers may be used in connection with the present invention which shallnot be limited exclusively to the use of coil springs. For example,conventional miniature leaf-type spring assemblies, resilient rubber orfoam pads, and the like (not shown) may also be used.

Positioned on top of the spring 228 within each opening 206 is a bearingmember 230. The bearing member 230 is of a type well known in the artwhich specifically includes an inner annular member 236 having acircular opening 238 therein. The inner annular member 236 is positioned(e.g. nested) within a circular opening 243 in an outer annular member244, with the opening 243 having a greater diameter than that of theinner annular member 236. However, the diameter of the outer annularmember 244 is slightly less than the diameter of its respective opening206 so that the bearing member 230 may be received therein (FIG. 4). Theinner annular member 236 is freely rotatable relative to the outerannular member 244. Rotation in this manner is accomplished through theuse of a plurality of spherical steel ball bearing members 250positioned between the inner and outer annular members 236, 244. Thistype of bearing member 230 is known in the art and of conventionaldesign. It is commercially available from a variety of sources includingbut not limited to the Moore Bearing Co. of Golden Conn. (USA)--part no.6002-SS. In addition, the present invention shall not be limitedexclusively to the bearing member 230 described above. Other bearingmembers of differing structural design may likewise be used with anequal degree of effectiveness, provided that they are capable ofplacement within the openings 206 in the support member 180.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the each bearing member 230 is positionedwithin its respective opening 206 in the support member 180 so that thebearing member 230 rests on top of spring 228. In this configuration,the entire bearing member 230 is axially movable in a free-floatingmanner on top of its respective spring 228. It should also be noted thateach opening 206, spring 228, and bearing member 230 are sized so thateach bearing member 230 preferably extends very slightly above theplanar upper surface 200 of the cartridge unit support member 180 (FIG.4).

Positioned on top of each bearing member 230 is a plug-like connectingmember 260 having a substantially frustoconical upper portion 262 with atop surface 264, a bottom surface 266, and an angled side wall portion270. Extending downwardly from the bottom surface 266 and integrallyformed therewith is a flange-like portion 273 and a cylindrical section274 extending outwardly from the flange-like portion 273. Thecylindrical portion 274 is preferably circular in cross-section with adiameter which is smaller than the diameter of the circular opening 238in the inner annular member 236 of each bearing member 230. Inaccordance with this design, each connecting member 260 is positioned ontop of and against one of the bearing members 230 so that thecylindrical section 274 is inserted within the circular opening 238 inthe inner annular member 236 of the selected bearing member 230. As aresult, each connecting member 260 is freely-rotatable on its respectivebearing member 230, with insertion of the cylindrical portion 274 incircular opening 238 maintaining the connecting member 260 in correctposition on bearing member 230. Free-rotation of the connecting member260 on the bearing member 230 is facilitated by the flange-like portion273 which rests on the inner annular member 236. As result, the bottomsurface 266 of the connecting member 260 is elevated (FIG. 4) so that itdoes not frictionally engage the outer annular member 244 or any otherportion of the bearing member 230.

The upper portion 262 of each connecting member 260 is sized forplacement within the frustoconical opening 100 in the lower cap member90 of the cartridge unit 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4. Specifically,the top surface 264 and side wall portion 270 of the connecting member260 are frictionally engaged with the interior surfaces 280 of theopening 100. As a result, the lower end 22 of the cartridge unit 12rests on the bearing member 230 so that the cartridge unit 12 mayrotate, with the bearing member resting on the spring 228 as illustratedin FIG. 4. The cartridge units 14, 16 are likewise rotatable in the samemanner as cartridge unit 12 using the components described above. All ofthe cartridge units 12, 14, 16, are therefore capable of free-floating,spring-suspended rotation on the cartridge unit support member 180within the primary housing 150, thereby creating beneficial fluidturbulence within the housing 150 as described below. It should also benoted that, as illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the cartridge units 12,14, 16 are spaced equidistantly from the interior surface 284 of thehousing 150 by a preferred distance "S₁ " which is not less than about0.1 inch. The distance "S₁ " may be greater than 0.1 inch as desired anddetermined in accordance with preliminary pilot studies on the fluidbeing treated.

With reference to FIG. 2, the filtration system 10 further includes aplurality of tubular shaft members 300, 302, 304 which are designed forconnection to the cartridge units 12, 14, 16, respectively. One tubularshaft member is provided for each cartridge unit used in the system 10,regardless of the number of cartridge units involved. For the sake ofclarity, only shaft member 300 will be described, with the structuraland functional characteristics of shaft member 300 being entirelyapplicable to shaft members 302, 304 unless otherwise indicated. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, shaft member 300 includes an open first end 306,a closed second end 308, and a medial portion 310 between the first end306 and the second end 308. Between the midpoint 313 of shaft member 300and the first end 306, the medial portion 310 further includes a tubularouter wall 316 with an internal passageway 318 therein surrounded by theouter wall 316. With continued reference to FIG. 6, the passageway 318extends continuously from an opening 320 in the first end 306 to themidpoint 313 of the shaft member 300. At this position, a bore 322 isprovided which is substantially perpendicular to the passageway 318. Thebore 322 passes entirely through the outer wall 316 of the shaft member300, thereby forming dual ports 324, 326 through the outer wall 316.

The first end 306 of the shaft member 300 is sized for receipt withinthe lower end 76 of the elongate opening 70 in the upper cap member 52of cartridge unit 12 as illustrated in FIG. 6. In a preferredembodiment, a portion 329 of the medial section 310 of the shaft member300 is substantially square in cross-section in order to match thepreferred square configuration of portion 82 of intermediate section 78described above. As a result, the cartridge unit 12 and shaft member 300can rotate together during operation of the system 10 without anyslippage between these components. Furthermore, in a preferredembodiment, the first end 306 of the shaft member 300 is slightlysmaller than the lower end 76 of the opening 70 in upper cap member 52so that the shaft member 300 is easily inserted therein. To ensure afluid-tight seal between the shaft member 300 and the opening 70, thefirst end 306 of the shaft member 300 includes an annular recess 330which further includes a conventional O-ring 332 therein. The O-ring 332is designed to frictionally engage the interior wall 333 of the opening70 (e.g. at the lower end 76) to create a fluid-tight seal.

Finally, with continued reference to FIG. 6, the medial portion 310 ofthe shaft member 300 includes an outwardly-extending annular section 340having an upper surface 342, the function of which will be describedhereinafter. In a preferred embodiment, the annular section 340 ispositioned between the first end 306 and the bore 322 as shown in FIG.6.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the filtration system 10 also includes asecondary housing 400 which is adapted to receive all of the shaftmembers 300, 302, 304 therein. The secondary housing 400 is illustratedcross-sectionally in FIG. 5, and is preferably constructed of steel orother durable material. The secondary housing 400 includes a pluralityof main bores 402, 404, 406 which pass entirely therethrough and aresubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis "A₅ " of the housing400. The bores 402, 404, 406 are sized to receive each of the shaftmembers 300, 302, 304 therein, respectively. The shaft members 300, 302,304 have a smaller diameter than that of their respective bores 402,404, 406 so that free rotation therein is possible. For the sake ofclarity, only bore 402 will be described below, with the features ofbore 402 being applicable to bores 404, 406 unless otherwise indicated.

In accordance with FIG. 6, bore 402 includes an upper enlarged section410, a lower enlarged section 412, a first internal section 414, asecond internal section 416, and a center region 418. Adhesively orfrictionally engaged within the lower enlarged section 412 is a bearingmember 420 of the same type as bearing member 230 described above.Specifically, bearing member 420 has an inner annular member 422 with acircular opening 424 therein. The inner annular member 422 is positionedand nested within a circular opening 426 in an outer annular member 430,with the circular opening 426 having a greater diameter than that of theinner annular member 422. The inner annular member 422 is freelyrotatable relative to the outer annular member 430 through the use of aplurality of spherical steel ball bearing members 432 rotatablypositioned between the inner and outer annular members 422, 430. Whilethis type of bearing member is preferred, the present invention shallnot be limited to any particular bearing member as noted above. Thecircular opening 424 in the inner annular member 422 is sized to receivethe medial portion 310 of the shaft member 300 therein so that themedial portion 310 is frictionally engaged within the opening 424.Furthermore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the upper surface 342of the annular section 340 of shaft member 300 rests on the innerannular member 422. It should be noted than the relative diameters ofthe annular section 340 and the inner annular member 422 aresubstantially equal. Accordingly, the shaft member 300 and inner annularmember 422 are able to rotate together without frictionally engaging theouter annular member 430 of bearing member 420.

Positioned within the first internal section 414 of the bore 402 is amechanical, commercially available rotating fluid seal member 440 ofconventional design (schematically illustrated in non cross-sectionalform in FIG. 6). The medial portion 310 of the shaft member 300 isfixedly positioned (by frictional engagement or the like) within theseal member 440. The seal member 440 is used so that fluid materialswhich ultimately leave the shaft member 300 through ports 324, 326 willnot leak upwardly into the main bore 402 as described in greater detailbelow. In addition, the seal member 440 enables rotation of the shaftmember 300 within the bore 402 in a fluid-tight manner. Seal member 440is of standard design with its operating characteristics beingwell-known in the art. An exemplary seal member 440 suitable for useherein is commercially available from the John Crane Seal Co. of MortonGrove, Ill. (USA) under the designation "Type 6". However, it should benoted that other commercially available seal members may be used inaccordance with the present invention which shall not be limited to theuse of any particular fluid seal systems.

Adhesively or frictionally engaged within the upper enlarged section 410above and spaced outwardly from the seal member 440 is a bearing member456 of the same type as bearing member 230. Bearing member 456 has aninner annular member 460 with a circular opening 462 therein. The innerannular member 460 is positioned and nested within a circular opening463 in an outer annular member 464, with the circular opening 463 havinga greater diameter than that of the inner annular member 460. The innerannular member 460 is freely rotatable relative to the outer annularmember 464 through the use of a plurality of spherical steel ballbearing members 466 which are rotatably positioned between the inner andouter annular members 460, 464. Again, while this type of bearing memberis preferred, the present invention shall not be limited to anyparticular bearing design. The circular opening 462 in the inner annularmember 460 is sized to receive the medial portion 310 of the shaftmember 300 and additional components of the system 10 as discussed ingreater detail below.

Positioned within the second internal section 416 of the bore 402 aboveand spaced inwardly from the bearing member 420 is a mechanical,commercially-available rotating seal member 470 of the same conventionaldesign as seal member 440 (schematically illustrated in noncross-sectional form in FIG. 6). The medial portion 310 of the shaftmember 300 is fixedly positioned (by frictional engagement or the like)within the seal member 470. The seal member 470 is used so that fluidmaterials which ultimately leave the shaft member 300 through ports 324,326 will not leak downwardly into the main bore 402. In addition, theseal member 470 enables rotation of the shaft member 300 within the bore402 in a fluid-tight manner. Seal member 470 is of standard design withits operating characteristics being well-known in the art. An exemplaryseal member 470 suitable for use in the system 10 is commerciallyavailable from the source listed above with respect to seal member 440.

With reference to FIG. 5, secondary housing 400 further includes aplurality of fluid delivery passageways 490, 492, 494 in fluidcommunication with the main bores 402, 404, 406, respectively. In apreferred embodiment, one fluid delivery passageway will be provided foreach main bore and cartridge unit associated therewith. Furthermore,each fluid delivery passageway 490, 492, 494 begins at the outer surface498 of the secondary housing 400 and terminates at the center 500 of thehousing 400 (FIG. 5). Positioned at the center 500 of the housing 400and remotely spaced from the main bores 402, 404, 406 is a fluidcollection bore 502 (FIGS. 5-6). The fluid collection bore 502 isdesigned to receive fluid materials from each of the fluid deliverypassageways 490, 492, 494. As illustrated, all of the fluid deliverypassageways 490, 492, 494 converge at the fluid collection bore 502 inthe center 500 of the secondary housing 400.

To clearly illustrate the functional and structural characteristics ofthe fluid delivery passageways 490, 492, 494, passageway 490 will bedescribed in detail. The specific features of fluid delivery passageway490 are applicable to passageways 492, 494 unless otherwise indicatedbelow. As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the passageway 490 includes a first end506, a second end 508, and a medial section 510 between the first andsecond ends 506, 508. The first end 506 terminates at the outer surface498 of the secondary housing 400, and preferably includes a fluid-tightthreaded plug member 512 secured therein (shown non cross-sectionally inFIG. 6) to prevent the leakage of fluid materials outwardly from thesecondary housing 400. Passing through the medial section 510 of thepassageway 490 is the main bore 402 as illustrated. In accordance withthis structural relationship, the passageway 490 is in fluidcommunication with the bore 402. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment,the longitudinal axis "A₆ " of the main bore 402 is substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis "A₇ " of the passageway 490 (FIG.6).

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the bore 322 in the shaft member 300(as well as the ports 324, 326) are precisely positioned within thecenter region 418 of the main bore 402 and in axial alignment with thefluid delivery passageway 490. As a result, fluid materials leaving therotating shaft member 300 via the bore 322 and ports 324, 326 will flowinto the fluid delivery passageway 490. Again, fluid leakage into otherportions of the secondary housing 400 during this process is preventedthrough the use of seal members 440, 470.

The second end 508 of the fluid delivery passageway 490 is remotelyspaced from the main bore 402 and positioned substantially at the center500 of the secondary housing 400. At this position, the passageway 490(and the other fluid delivery passageways 492, 494) are in fluidcommunication with fluid collection bore 502. The fluid collection bore502 has the same longitudinal axis as the axis "A₅ " of the secondaryhousing 400 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "A₇ " of thepassageway 490 and parallel with the longitudinal axis "A₆ " of mainbore 402. As shown in FIG. 6, the fluid collection bore 502 has a firstend 520 which is positioned at the center 500 of the secondary housing400 and a second end 522 having an external fluid collection conduit 530(shown in non cross-sectional form in FIG. 6) which is partially engagedtherein in a conventional manner.

It should also be noted that the secondary housing 400 may haveadditional tunnels or passageways therein (not shown) which extendinwardly from the outer surface 498 thereof to one or more of the mainbores 402, 404, 406 so that they may be flushed and cleaned as desired.In addition, there are a number of ways in which the primary housing 150may be secured to the secondary housing 400, and present invention shallnot be limited to any particular attachment method. For example, in oneembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, an annular retaining ring 550 isprovided which has a central opening 552 therein. The diameter of theopening 552 is greater than the diameter of the secondary housing 400,thereby allowing passage of the housing 400 through the opening 552 sothat the ring 550 may be positioned on the housing 400 as illustrated inFIG. 1. However, the top portion 554 of the ring 550 is manufactured sothat it includes an annular, outwardly extending portion 556 which issized to abuttingly engage an annular flange 560 extending outwardlyfrom the bottom surface 562 of the secondary housing 400 (FIG. 6). Usingthese components, the retaining ring 550 may be placed on the secondaryhousing 400, with accidental removal of the ring 550 being prevented bycooperative action of the outwardly extending portion 556 of the ring550 and the annular flange 560 on the secondary housing 400.Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the ring 550 includes an internalthreaded region 566. To secure the primary housing 150 and secondaryhousing 400 together, these components are first axially aligned andplaced together so that the bottom surface 562 of the secondary housing400 is positioned against the upper end 154 of the primary housing 150.As noted above, the upper end 154 of the primary housing 150 includesthreaded region 166 in the exterior surface 168 thereof. The retainingring 550 is then urged downwardly and rotated so that the threadedregion 566 of the ring 550 engages the threaded region 166 of theprimary housing 150. The ring 550 is then tightened as desired. Otherexemplary attachment systems for the primary and secondary housings 150,400 include the use of external clamping mechanisms known in the art andconventional screw type connecting systems (not shown), with the presentinvention not being limited to Any particular attachment assembly.

To effectively rotate all of the cartridge units 12, 14, 16simultaneously during operation of the system 10, a specialized motordrive system is provided. With reference to FIG. 2, each of the shaftmembers 300, 302, 304 associated with cartridge units 12, 14, 16includes an annular pulley member 580, 582, 584 thereon, respectively.Regarding the structural configuration of the pulley members 580, 582,584, pulley member 580 (and shaft member 300 secured thereto) will bedescribed. Unless otherwise indicated, the following informationregarding shaft member 300 and pulley member 580 is equally applicableto pulley members 582, 584 and shaft members 302, 304. As shown in FIG.6, annular pulley member 580 includes a recessed region 594 which issized to receive a continuous belt as discussed below. Formed as anintegral part of the pulley member 580 and extending downwardlytherefrom is a shaft portion 600 which includes a first section 602 anda second section 604. The second section 604 has a smaller diameter thanthe first section 602 (FIG. 6). The pulley member 580 also has anopening 608 which passes entirely therethrough. The opening 608 isdesigned to receive part of the closed second end 308 and medial portion310 of the shaft member 300 therein. The pulley member 580 is fixedlysecured in position on the shaft member 300 by frictional engagementbetween these components or through the use of adhesives, set screwswithin the pulley member 580 (not shown) or other conventional fasteningsystems.

As shown in FIG. 6, the second section 604 of the shaft portion 600 ofpulley member 580 is positioned (e.g. frictionally engaged) within thecircular opening 462 in the inner annular member 460 of bearing member456. In addition, the first section 602 of the shaft portion 600 furtherincludes a lower annular face 620 which rests on the inner annularmember 460 of bearing member 456 so that the entire shaft assembly (e.g.the shaft member 300 and pulley member 580 secured thereto) may freelyrotate on the bearing member 456. It should be noted that the diameterof the first section 602 of pulley member 580 is substantially equal tothe diameter of the inner annular member 460 of bearing member 456 sothat the first section 602 does not frictionally engage the outerannular member 464 of bearing member 456.

To rotate all of the pulley members 580, 582, 584 and cartridge units12, 14, 16 in a simultaneous manner, motor drive means 630 is providedas illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9. In a preferred embodiment, themotor drive means 630 consists of a conventional electric motor 632which is well known in the art. The motor 632 includes a center driveshaft 633 (FIGS. 8-9) having a drive pulley member 634 secured thereto.In a preferred embodiment, the drive pulley member 634 has a structuralconfiguration substantially identical with that of the annular pulleymember 580. Attachment of the drive pulley member 634 to the drive shaft633 may be undertaken by welding, adhesive affixation, set screws withinthe drive pulley member 634 (not shown) which may be tightened againstthe drive shaft 633, or other conventional attachment methods.

So that the motor 632 may simultaneously rotate the cartridge units 12,14, 16, a continuous belt 640 is provided which is made of rubber or thelike. In a first embodiment, the belt 640 is positioned on the drivepulley member 634 and the pulley members 580, 582, 584 in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 8. In this configuration, the belt 640 ispositioned around the pulley members 580, 582, 584, and 634 so that theyall rotate in the same direction (either clockwise or counterclockwise).In an alternative embodiment, the belt 640 may be positioned on thepulley members 580, 582, 584 in a serpentine configuration as shown inFIG. 9. Specifically, portion 642 of the belt 640 is positioned aroundthe pulley members 580, 582 as in the first embodiment of FIG. 8, whileportion 646 of the belt 640 is positioned between pulley members 582,584. As a result, the portion 646 contacts the pulley member 584 at aninside position 648 thereon. Using this configuration, the pulleymembers 580, 582 will rotate in one direction (e.g. in a first directionas indicated by arrows 650) while the pulley member 584 will rotate in asecond direction opposite the first direction (see arrow 652). Incertain applications involving the treatment of specific fluids, thisalternative configuration will create additional fluid turbulence andenhanced operating capacity as described below. The selection of aparticular belt arrangement will normally involve preliminary pilotstudies on the fluid materials being treated so that the best method maybe chosen. Furthermore, the embodiment of FIG. 9 shall not be limited toa situation wherein pulley member 584 is rotating in an oppositedirection with respect to pulley members 580, 582. Instead, the belt 640may be oriented so that, for example, the pulley members 580, 584 arerotating in a first direction with the pulley member 582 rotating in asecond opposite direction.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 1, the entire system 10 preferablyincludes a support stand 700 which is designed to suspend the primaryhousing 150, secondary housing 400 and motor 632 in an upright, verticalposition. To accomplish this, a panel member 702 is provided whichincludes side edges 704, 706 to which triangular support legs 708, 710are respectively secured. The support legs 708, 710 are secured to theside edges 704, 706 by welding or the use of conventional screws (notshown). The panel member 702 further includes an outer face 712 having amounting plate 720 secured thereto by welding or conventional mechanicalfasteners (e.g. screws). The mounting plate 720 has an upper surface722, a lower surface 724, and a circular opening 725 therein (FIG. 2)which is sized to allow the pulley members 580, 582, 584 to passtherethrough. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the top surface 726 of thesecondary housing 400 is secured by welding, mechanical fasteners (e.g.screws), or the like to the lower surface 724 of the mounting plate 720in order to suspend the primary and secondary housings 150, 400 inposition. Likewise, the motor 632 is fixedly secured to a plate member730 or other comparable structure by welding or mechanical fasteners(e.g. screws), with the plate member 730 and attached motor 632 beingsecured to outer face 712 of the panel member 702 in the same manner.However, it shall be understood that the mounting system for theforegoing components (e.g. the primary housing 150, secondary housing400, and the motor 632) may be varied, and shall not be exclusivelylimited to the support stand 700 described above.

Finally, to ensure safe operation of the system 10, an optional beltguard 750 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 may be positioned over the belt 640and pulley members 580, 582, 584, 634. The belt guard 750 is preferablysecured to the upper surface 722 of the mounting plate 720 using screwsor other conventional mechanical fasteners. Also, it is preferred thatthe belt guard 750 have an opening 752 therein. The opening 752 is sizedand positioned to enable passage therethrough of the external fluidcollection conduit 530 (FIGS. 1 and 6) which leads into the secondaryhousing 400 as previously described.

Having herein described the structural components associated with apreferred embodiment of the filtration system 10, a brief description ofits operational characteristics will now be presented.

Operation

As described above, the system 10 enables the high-efficiency separationof solids from a wide variety of different liquids. For example,materials ranging from beer to medicines and biological compositions maybe filtered, depending on the characteristics of the selected filtermaterials used in connection with the filter cartridge units 12, 14, 16.The present invention shall therefore not be limited to the filtrationof any particular materials.

To filter solid materials from a selected liquid, the desired liquid isfirst introduced into the primary housing 150 through the conduit 163which is secured within bore 162 in the side wall 152. As the liquidenters the housing 150, it flows between and around the filter cartridgeunits 12, 14, 16. When the housing 150 becomes substantially filled withliquid, the motor 632 is activated which causes movement of the belt 640and pulley members 580, 582, 584, 634 attached thereto. As a result,cartridge units 12, 14, 16 rotate simultaneously and at the same speed.In a preferred embodiment, the motor 632 is adjusted so that it rotatesthe cartridge units 12, 14, 16 at a uniform speed of about 500-4000 rpm(2500 rpm=optimum), with the actual selected speed being determined bypreliminary pilot studies and the like. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, allof the cartridge units 12, 14, 16, will rotate in the same direction andat the same speed. As a result, a high degree of fluid turbulence iscreated around and between the rotating cartridge units 12, 14, 16. Thisfluid turbulence basically involves the formation of Taylor vortices andother uncharacterized phenomena which create rotating fluid currents andincreased fluid pressures around the cartridge units 12, 14, 16. Thesefluid currents and pressures not only enhance fluid flow through thecartridge units 12, 14, 16, but also continuously scrub the exteriorsurfaces of the units 12, 14, 16 so that the blockage thereof isminimized or prevented. As a result, system down-time normally requiredfor cleaning is substantially minimized which greatly increasesfiltration efficiency compared with single cartridge systems asdescribed in the "Example" section below.

In addition, when the embodiment of FIG. 9 is involved wherein one ofthe cartridge units 12, 14, 16 is rotating in an opposite direction fromthe other units, an additional degree of fluid turbulence is createdadjacent the interior surface 284 of the primary housing 150 which mayfurther enhance filtration efficiency, depending on the type of fluidbeing filtered and other parameters determined by preliminary pilotstudies. This additional phenomenon (which is the subject of ongoingresearch) may cause enhanced scrubbing of the exterior surfaces of oneor more cartridge units 12, 14, 16.

As the cartridge units 12, 14, 16 are rotating within the primaryhousing 150, filtration of the selected liquid materials takes place. Toillustrate and describe this process, filtration will be discussed withrespect to cartridge unit 12. However, information provided regardingcartridge unit 12 is equally applicable to the other cartridge units 14,16 in the system 10.

During operation of the filtration system 10, the cartridge unit 12 willrotate around its longitudinal axis "A₁ " (FIG. 3). As cartridge unit 12rotates, fluid materials pass through the side wall portion 28, withsuspended solids being prevented from passing therethrough. Fluidmaterials which pass through the side wall portion 28 enter the fluidflow passageway 118 and travel upwardly in the direction of arrows 770(FIG. 3). Because the lower cap member 90 does not have any openingstherein, and because it is attached to the side wall portion 28 in afluid-tight configuration, the lower end 22 of the cartridge unit 12 iseffectively closed as noted above. Accordingly, any fluid materialswhich pass downwardly toward the lower cap member 90 do so on atemporary basis and are thereafter directed upwardly due to the closednature of the lower end 22 of the cartridge unit 12. The filtered fluidmaterials within the fluid flow passageway 118 are then collected inaccordance with the steps described below.

The filtered fluid materials thereafter pass through the openings 47, 48in the first end 44 of the medial section 42, and into the longitudinalbore 55 (FIG. 3) in the upper cap member 52. Once again, fluid materialswill not leak outwardly from the fluid flow passageway 118 within thecartridge unit 12 due to the fluid-tight adhesive seal between the uppercap member 52 and the side wall portion 28. The fluid materials withinthe bore 55 converge at the center thereof and pass upwardly into theelongate opening 70. Because the opening 70 terminates at the upper end20 of the cartridge unit 12, the upper end 20 is effectively open to theoutside, thereby permitting the filtered fluid materials to exit thecartridge unit 12.

The filtered fluid materials then pass into the shaft member 300associated with the cartridge unit 12 and travel upwardly through thepassageway 318 in the direction of arrows 780 due to a high degree ofinternal fluid pressure within the system 10 caused by the continuousinflux of additional fluids. The fluid materials thereafter enter thebore 322 in shaft 300 and exit through the ports 324, 326. As the shaftmember 300 continues to spin within the main bore 402 of the secondaryhousing 400, the fluid materials enter the fluid delivery passageway490. Fluid leakage upwardly or downwardly into the bore 402 within thesecondary housing is prevented by the seal members 440, 470. Next, thefluid materials pass through the fluid delivery passageway 490 andtravel toward the second end 508 of passageway 490 (in the direction ofarrows 790 shown in FIGS. 5-6). Only a minimal amount of fluid materialswill enter the portion of the fluid delivery passageway 490 between themain bore 402 and the first end 506 of passageway 490 since the firstend 506 is sealed at the outer surface 498 of the secondary housing 400using the plug member 512. Once this portion of the fluid deliverypassageway 490 becomes filled with fluid materials, additional fluidswill not enter, thereby enabling most of the fluid materials to flowtoward the second end 508 of the fluid delivery passageway 490.

As noted above, all of the fluid delivery passageways 490, 492, 494converge at the center 500 of the secondary housing 400. Becauseincoming fluids enter the fluid delivery passageways 490, 492, 494 undera considerable degree of pressure, such fluids converge at the center500 and are forced upwardly into and through the fluid collection bore502. Fluid materials passing into the fluid collection bore 502thereafter pass into the collection conduit 530 and are stored ordiscarded as desired. The collected fluid materials are highly purifieddue to the multiple rotating filter cartridge units 12, 14, 16 as wellas the other functional characteristics of the system 10 describedabove.

Collected solid materials and residual liquids within the primaryhousing 150 are then drained from the system 10. This is accomplished byopening the stopcock assembly 178 in the drain conduit 177 extendingoutwardly from the housing 150. As a result, collected solid materialsand residual liquids pass downwardly through the drainage bores 202 inthe cartridge unit support member 180, into the open zone 190 in thebottom portion 170 of the chamber 160 within housing 150, and outwardlythrough the conduit 177 and stopcock assembly 178. The fluids and solidsmay thereafter be collected or discarded as desired.

As previously stated, the use of multiple rotating filter cartridgeunits within a closed housing provides numerous and substantialbenefits. Specifically, one of the primary benefits associated with thesystem of the present invention involves the self-cleaning capabilitiesthereof. Such capabilities result from the use of multiple cartridgeunits which not only generate conventional Taylor vortices within thesystem housing, but also generate other, uncharacterized forces whicheffectively prevent the accumulation of solid materials on the exteriorsurfaces of the cartridge units. As a result, filtration efficiency issubstantially improved due to (1) a greater flow rate through thecartridge units which do not experience the rapid accumulation of solidsthereon as in single cartridge systems; and (2) a reduction in theamount of system down-time which is needed for removing accumulatedsolids (which is significant in single cartridge systems compared withthe present invention).

As noted above, fluid turbulence generated in the multi-cartridge systemof the invention effectively prevents the rapid accumulation of solidson the cartridge units, thereby reducing or eliminating the need tocontinuously deactivate the system for cleaning. In accordance with theinvention, these benefits are achieved in multi-cartridge systems whichuse the cartridge units described above (e.g., see FIG. 3) and othercartridge units of different design. To demonstrate the benefits whichmay be achieved through the use of a rotating, multi-cartridge systemproduced in connection with the invention, the following Example isprovided:

EXAMPLE

In this Example, the liquid being filtered involved a brewery productknown as "aging drop beer" which includes a variety of solid componentstherein (e.g. yeast cell debris and other residual solids). The initialturbidity of this material in the present Example was 650 ppm of thesolid components listed above. Two experimental tests were run usingaging drop beer.

Test One

In test number 1, a system was employed which used a single, rotatingcartridge unit positioned within a containment vessel. The cartridgeunit consisted of a membrane-type 0.45 micron cylindrical filtercartridge produced by Membrex, Inc. of Garfield, N.J. (USA).

Test Two

Test number 2 involved three rotating filter cartridge units of exactlythe same type used in test number 1. These units were used and arrangedin a system comparable to system 10 described above. In both tests, thecartridge units were rotated in the same direction and at the same speed(e.g. 1500 rpm). Also, the starting flow rate of aging drop beer intothe systems in both tests was 200 ml/min.

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                        Results:                                                                                     Test #1    Test #2                                             ______________________________________                                        Total run time: 1.0    hr.sup.1  3.0  hr.sup.2                                Initial turbidity:                                                                            650    ppm       650  ppm                                     Effluent (output) turbidity:                                                                  4.0    ppm       2.0  ppm                                     Ending flow rate:                                                                             16     ml/min..sup.3                                                                           25   ml/min.                                 Total flow:     1.85   L         10.45                                                                              L.sup.4                                 Average flow rate:                                                                            36.7   ml/min.   68.2 ml/min.                                 ______________________________________                                         .sup.1 single cartridge system in test number 1 was stopped after 1.0 hr.     since the cartridge unit became clogged at the surface thereof, with          cloggage being defined as a fluid flow rate through the cartridge unit of     less than about 15-16 ml/min.                                                 .sup.2 multiple cartridge system in test number 2 never reached a point i     which it became clogged (e.g. characterized by a fluid flow rate through      the cartridge units of less than about 15-16 ml/min.), and could have run     even longer than three hours.                                                 .sup.3 at this flow rate (16 ml/min.) the system in test number 1 was         technically clogged as noted above.                                           .sup.4 this value does not represent a maximum value since the multiple       cartridge system of test number 2 never became clogged during the test in     accordance with the definition provided above.                           

The foregoing Example clearly demonstrates the superior results achievedin a multi-cartridge system compared with single cartridge systems.Specifically, the single cartridge system of test number 1 becomeclogged after only one hour as characterized by a flow rate of about 16ml/min. However, in the system of test number 2, cartridge clogging (ascharacterized by a flow rate of less than about 15-16 ml/min.) did notoccur even after three hours of continuous use. In fact, the flow ratein the system of test number 2 at the end of three hours was 25 ml/min.which is significantly greater than the flow rate of 16 ml/min. in thesystem of test number 1 after one hour.

In the multi-cartridge system of test number 2, a flow rate of 16ml/min. at or before expiration of the three hour period would have beenexpected since the system of test number 2 had been running three timesas long as the system of test number 1. More specifically, the onecartridge system became clogged after one hour which would have createdan expectation that the three cartridge system would become cloggedafter three hours. However, this situation did not occur, with thesystem of test number 2 having a flow rate substantially above the 16ml/min. level, even after three hours. The multi-cartridge system wasable to filter 10.45 L of fluid without becoming clogged, while thesingle cartridge system filtered only 1.85 L of fluid before cloggingoccurred. Accordingly, while the single cartridge system processed only1.85 L of fluid before it became clogged, the multi-cartridge systemprocessed about 3.5 L of fluid per cartridge (e.g. 10.45 L divided by 3)because the cartridge units did not become clogged and could run longer.Clog prevention in this manner is due to both Taylor vortices andunknown physical phenomena within the system as previously described.Increased fluid turbulence creates a scrubbing effect which prevents therapid accumulation of solids on the cartridge units.

Having herein described preferred embodiments of the invention, it isanticipated that suitable modifications may be made thereto byindividuals skilled in the relevant art which nonetheless remain withinthe scope of the invention. For example, the construction materials,component size (e.g. length and width of the filter cartridge units),the number of cartridge units, the arrangements of conduits, ports,bores, openings and the like may all be varied within the scope of theinvention. Thus, the present invention shall only be construed inaccordance with the following claims:

The invention that is claimed is:
 1. A high efficiency liquid filtrationsystem comprising:a primary housing comprising at least one inlet porttherein; a plurality of elongate filter cartridge units positionedwithin said housing, each of said cartridge units comprising alongitudinal axis, an upper end, a closed lower end, a tubular side wallportion comprised of filter material, and an interior region thereinsurrounded by said side wall portion for receiving fluid materials whichpass through said side wall portion, each of said cartridge units beingrotatable around said longitudinal axis thereof and further comprisingat least one outlet at said upper end for allowing said fluid materialswithin said interior region to pass outwardly therefrom; a plurality oftubular shaft members, each of said shaft members being connected to oneof said cartridge units and comprising an open first end, a closedsecond end, and a medial portion between said first end and said secondend, said medial portion comprising a tubular outer wall and an internalpassageway therein surrounded by said outer wall, said outer wallfurther comprising at least one port therethrough between said first endand said second end of each of said shaft members, said port providingaccess to said internal passageway, said first end of each of said shaftmembers terminating at, and being connected to said upper end of one ofsaid cartridge units; and drive means operatively connected to saidsecond end of each of said shaft members and positioned outside of saidprimary housing for simultaneously rotating each of said cartridge unitsaround said longitudinal axis thereof, said second end of each of saidshaft members being positioned outside of and above said primary housingso that said second end of each of said shaft members may be operativelyconnected to said drive means, said rotating of said cartridge units bysaid drive means causing said cartridge units to filter solid materialsfrom said fluid materials with increased efficiency.
 2. The liquidfiltration system of claim 1 wherein any one of said cartridge units isseparated from an adjacent one of said cartridge units by a distance notless than about 0.1 inch.
 3. The liquid filtration system of claim 1wherein said drive means comprises:a plurality of annular pulleymembers, each of said pulley members being attached to said second endof one of said shaft members; a continuous belt member operativelyconnected to and in simultaneous engagement with all of said annularpulley members; and motor means operatively connected to said beltmember in order to cause said belt member to move and thereby causecorresponding movement of said annular pulley members and said shaftmembers attached thereto.
 4. A high efficiency liquid filtration systemcomprising:a primary housing comprising at least one inlet port therein;a plurality of elongate filter cartridge units positioned within saidhousing, each of said cartridge units comprising:a longitudinal axis; atubular side wall portion comprised of filter material; an interiorregion therein surrounded by said side wall portion; and a core memberpositioned within said interior region, said core member comprising amedial section, said medial section comprising a first end and a secondend, said core member further comprise an upper cap member secured tosaid first end, and a lower cap member secured to said second end, saidupper cap member comprising an upper end having an opening therein and aclosed lower end opposing said upper end, said opening extendingdownwardly from said upper end only through a portion of said upper capmember, and terminating in at least one longitudinal bore passingtherethrough, said bore being perpendicular to and in fluidcommunication with said opening in said upper cap member, said side wallportion of each of said cartridge units comprising an upper end and alower end, said upper cap member of said core member being fixedlysecured to said upper end of said side wall portion and said lower capmember of said core member being fixedly secured to said lower end ofsaid side wall portion so that said medial section of said core memberis positioned entirely within said interior region in said side wallportion, said medial section of said core member being spaced inwardlyfrom said side wall portion in order to form a fluid flow passagewaytherebetween, said fluid flow passageway being in fluid communicationwith said bore in said upper cap member so that fluid materials whichpass through said filter material of said side wall portion travelthrough said passageway, pass through said bore in said upper capmember, and thereafter pass through said opening in said upper capmember; and drive means operatively connected to all of said cartridgeunits for simultaneously rotating each of said cartridge units aroundsaid longitudinal axis thereof, said rotating of said cartridge units bysaid drive means causing said cartridge units to filter solid materialsfrom said fluid materials with increased efficiency.
 5. A highefficiency liquid filtration system comprising:a primary housingcomprising at least one inlet port therein; a plurality of elongatefilter cartridge units positioned within said housing, each of saidcartridge units comprising a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a closedlower end, a tubular side wall portion comprised of filter material, andan interior region therein surrounded by said side wall portion forreceiving fluid materials which pass through said side wall portion,each of said cartridge units being rotatable around said longitudinalaxis thereof and further comprising at least one outlet at said upperend for allowing said fluid materials within said interior region topass outwardly therefrom; a cartridge unit support member positionedwithin said primary housing comprising a planar upper surface comprisinga plurality of openings therein, each of said openings extendingpartially through said support member and comprising a biasing memberpositioned therein and a bearing member positioned on top of saidbiasing member, said bearing member being positioned adjacent to and incontact with said lower end of one of said cartridge units so that saidone of said cartridge units is freely rotatable on said bearing member;a plurality of tubular shaft members, each of said shaft members beingconnected to one of said cartridge units and comprising an open firstend, a closed second end, and a medial portion between said first endand said second end, said medial portion comprising a tubular outer walland an internal passageway therein surrounded by said outer wall, saidouter wall further comprising at least one port therethrough betweensaid first end and said second end of each of said shaft members, saidport providing access to said internal passageway, said first end ofeach of said shaft members being connected to said upper end of one ofsaid cartridge units; and drive means operatively connected to saidsecond end of each of said shaft members for simultaneously rotatingeach of said cartridge units around said longitudinal axis thereof, saidrotating of said cartridge units by said drive means causing saidcartridge units to filter solid materials from said fluid materials withincreased efficiency.
 6. The liquid filtration system of claim 5 furthercomprising a secondary housing attached to said primary housing, saidsecondary housing comprising a longitudinal axis and a plurality of mainbores therethrough, each of said main bores being parallel to saidlongitudinal axis of said secondary housing and each of said shaftmembers being positioned within one of said main bores in said secondaryhousing, said secondary housing further comprising a plurality of fluiddelivery passageways therethrough, each of said fluid deliverypassageways being perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of saidsecondary housing and in fluid communication with one of said main boresin said secondary housing, each of said fluid delivery passageways alsobeing in fluid communication with a fluid collection bore which extendsthrough said secondary housing in a direction parallel to saidlongitudinal axis of said secondary housing, said fluid collection borebeing remotely spaced from said main bores through said secondaryhousing.
 7. The liquid filtration system of claim 5 wherein any one ofsaid cartridge units is separated from an adjacent one of said cartridgeunits by a distance not less than about 0.1 inch.
 8. The liquidfiltration system of claim 5 wherein said plurality of cartridge unitscomprises three individual cartridge units positioned within saidprimary housing in a triangular arrangement in which each of said threeindividual cartridge units is spaced equidistantly from each other. 9.The liquid filtration system of claim 8 wherein said three individualcartridge units are spaced equidistantly from each other by a distancenot less than about 0.1 inch.
 10. The liquid filtration system of claim5 wherein said drive means comprises:a plurality of annular pulleymembers, each of said pulley members being attached to said second endof one of said shaft members; a continuous belt member operativelyconnected to and in simultaneous engagement with all of said annularpulley members; and motor means operatively connected to said beltmember in order to cause said belt member to move and thereby causecorresponding movement of said annular pulley members and said shaftmembers attached thereto.
 11. A high efficiency liquid filtration systemcomprising:a primary housing comprising at least one inlet port therein;three individual elongate filter cartridge units positioned within saidhousing in a triangular arrangement in which each of said cartridgeunits is spaced equidistantly from each other, each of said cartridgeunits comprising a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a closed lower end,a tubular side wall portion comprised of filter material, and aninterior region therein surrounded by said side wall portion forreceiving fluid materials which pass through said side wall portion,each of said cartridge units being rotatable around said longitudinalaxis thereof and further comprising at least one outlet at said upperend for allowing said fluid materials within said interior region topass outwardly therefrom; three tubular shaft members, each of saidshaft members being connected to one of said cartridge units andcomprising an open first end, a closed second end, and a medial portionbetween said first end and said second end, said medial portioncomprising a tubular outer wall and an internal passageway thereinsurrounded by said outer wall, said outer wall further comprising atleast one port therethrough between said first end and said second endof each of said shaft members, said port providing access to saidinternal passageway, said first end of each of said shaft membersterminating at, and being connected to said upper end of one of saidcartridge units; and drive means operatively connected to said secondend of each of said shaft members and positioned outside of said primaryhousing for simultaneously rotating each of said cartridge units aroundsaid longitudinal axis thereof, said second end of each of said shaftmembers being positioned outside of and above said primary housing sothat said second end of each of said shaft members may be operativelyconnected to said drive means, said rotating of said cartridge unitscausing said cartridge units to filter solid materials from said fluidmaterials with increased efficiency.
 12. The liquid filtration system ofclaim 11 wherein said drive means comprises:three annular pulleymembers, each of said pulley members being attached to said second endof one of said shaft members; a continuous belt member operativelyconnected to and in simultaneous engagement with all of said annularpulley members; and motor means operatively connected to said beltmember in order to cause said belt member to move and thereby causecorresponding movement of said annular pulley members and said shaftmembers attached thereto.
 13. The liquid filtration system of claim 11further comprising a secondary housing attached to said primary housing,said secondary housing comprising a longitudinal axis and three mainbores therethrough, each of said main bores being parallel to saidlongitudinal axis of said secondary housing and each of said shaftmembers being positioned within one of said main bores in said secondaryhousing, said secondary housing further comprising three fluid deliverypassageways therethrough, each of said fluid delivery passageways beingperpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said secondary housing and influid communication with one of said main bores in said secondaryhousing, each of said fluid delivery passageways also being in fluidcommunication with a fluid collection bore which extends through saidsecondary housing in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis ofsaid secondary housing, said fluid collection bore being remotely spacedfrom said main bores through said secondary housing.
 14. A highefficiency liquid filtration system comprising:a primary housingcomprising at least one inlet port therein; three individual elongatefilter cartridge units positioned within said housing in a triangulararrangement in which each of said cartridge units is spacedequidistantly from each other, each of said cartridge units comprising alongitudinal axis, an upper end, a closed lower end, a tubular side wallportion comprised of filter material, and an interior region thereinsurrounded by said side wall portion for receiving fluid materials whichpass through said side wall portion, each of said cartridge units beingrotatable around said longitudinal axis thereof and further comprisingat least one outlet at said upper end for allowing said fluid materialswithin said interior region to pass outwardly therefrom; a cartridgeunit support member comprising a planar upper surface comprising threeopenings therein, each of said openings extending partially through saidsupport member and comprising a biasing member positioned therein and abearing member positioned on top of said biasing member, said bearingmember being positioned adjacent to and in contact with said lower endof one of said cartridge units so that said one of said cartridge unitsis freely rotatable on said bearing member, said cartridge unit supportmember further comprising a plurality of drainage bores therein, each ofsaid drainage bores passing entirely through said support member; threetubular shaft members, each of said shaft members being connected to oneof said cartridge units and comprising an open first end, a closedsecond end, and a medial portion between said first end and said secondend, said medial portion comprising a tubular outer wall and an internalpassageway therein surrounded by said outer wall, said outer wallfurther comprising at least one port therethrough between said first endand said second end of each of said shaft members, said port providingaccess to said internal passageway, said first end of each of said shaftmembers being connected to said upper end of one of said cartridgeunits; a secondary housing attached to said primary housing, saidsecondary housing comprising a longitudinal axis and three main borestherethrough, each of said main bores being parallel to saidlongitudinal axis of said secondary housing and each of said shaftmembers being positioned within one of said main bores in said secondaryhousing, said secondary housing further comprising three fluid deliverypassageways therethrough, each of said fluid delivery passagewaysbeing,perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said secondary housingand in fluid communication with one of said main bores in said secondaryhousing, each of said fluid delivery passageways also being in fluidcommunication with a fluid collection bore which extends through saidsecondary housing in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis ofsaid secondary housing, said fluid collection bore being remotely spacedfrom said main bores through said secondary housing; and drive meansoperatively connected to said second end of each of said shaft membersfor simultaneously rotating each of said cartridge units around saidlongitudinal axis thereof, said rotating of said cartridge units causingsaid cartridge units to filter solid materials from said fluid materialswith increased efficiency, said drive means comprising:three annularpulley members, each of said pulley members being attached to saidsecond end of one of said shaft members; a continuous belt memberoperatively connected to and in simultaneous engagement with all of saidannular pulley members; and motor means operatively connected to saidbelt member in order to cause said belt member to move and thereby causecorresponding movement of said annular pulley members and said shaftmembers attached thereto.
 15. The liquid filtration system of claim 14wherein each of said cartridge units further comprises a core memberpositioned within said interior region, said core member comprising amedial section, said medial section comprising a first end, a secondend, an upper cap member secured to said first end of said medialsection, and a lower cap member secured to said second end of saidmedial section, said upper cap member comprising an elongate openingtherein, said elongate opening extending downwardly through at least aportion of said upper cap member, said upper cap member furthercomprising at lease one longitudinal bore passing therethrough, saidlongitudinal bore being perpendicular to and in fluid communication withsaid elongate opening, said side wall portion of each of said cartridgeunits comprising an upper end and a lower end, said upper cap member ofsaid core member being fixedly secured to said upper end of said sidewall portion and said lower cap member of said core member being fixedlysecured to said lower end of said side wall portion so that said medialsection of said core member is positioned entirely within said interiorregion in said side wall portion, said medial section of said coremember being spaced inwardly from said side wall portion in order toform a fluid flow passageway therebetween, said fluid flow passagewaybeing in fluid communication with said longitudinal bore in said uppercap member so that fluid materials which pass through said filtermaterial of said side wall portion travel through said fluid flowpassageway, pass through said longitudinal bore in said upper capmember, and thereafter pass through said elongate opening in said uppercap member.
 16. A high efficiency liquid filtration system comprising:aprimary housing comprising at least one inlet port therein; a pluralityof elongate filter cartridge units positioned within said housing, eachof said cartridge units comprising a longitudinal axis, an upper end, aclosed lower end, a tubular side wall portion comprised of filtermaterial, and an interior region therein surrounded by said side wallportion for receiving fluid materials which pass through said side wallportion, each of said cartridge units being rotatable around saidlongitudinal axis thereof and further comprising at least one outlet atsaid upper end for allowing said fluid materials within said interiorregion to pass outwardly therefrom; a cartridge unit support memberpositioned within said primary housing comprising a planar uppersurface, said planar upper surface comprising a plurality of openingstherein, each of said openings extending partially through said supportmember and comprising a biasing member positioned therein and a bearingmember positioned on top of said biasing member, said bearing memberbeing positioned adjacent to and in contact with said lower end of oneof said cartridge units so that said one of said cartridge units isfreely rotatable on said bearing member; and drive means operativelyconnected to all of said cartridge units for simultaneously rotatingeach of said cartridge units around said longitudinal axis thereof, saidrotating of said cartridge units by said drive means causing saidcartridge units to filter solid materials from said fluid materials withincreased efficiency.
 17. The liquid filtration system of claim 16wherein said cartridge unit support member further comprises a pluralityof drainage bores therein, each of said drainage bores passing entirelythrough said support member.
 18. A high efficiency liquid filtrationsystem comprising:a primary housing comprising at least one inlet porttherein; a plurality of elongate filter cartridge units positionedwithin said housing, each of said cartridge units comprising alongitudinal axis, an upper end, a closed lower end, a tubular side wallportion comprised of filter material, and an interior region thereinsurrounded by said side wall portion for receiving fluid materials whichpass through said side wall portion, each of said cartridge units beingrotatable around said longitudinal axis thereof and further comprisingat least one outlet at said upper end for allowing said fluid materialswithin said interior region to pass outwardly therefrom; a plurality oftubular shaft members, each of said shaft members being connected to oneof said cartridge units and comprising an open first end, a closedsecond end, and a medial portion between said first end and said secondend, said medial portion comprising a tubular outer wall and an internalpassageway therein surrounded by said outer wall, said outer wallfurther comprising at least one port therethrough between said first endand said second end of each of said shaft members, said port providingaccess to said internal passageway, said first end of each of said shaftmembers terminating at, and being connected to said upper end of one ofsaid cartridge units; a secondary housing attached to said primaryhousing, said secondary housing comprising a longitudinal axis and aplurality of main bores therethrough, each of said main bores beingparallel to said longitudinal axis of said secondary housing and each ofsaid shaft members being positioned within one of said main bores insaid secondary housing, said secondary housing further comprising aplurality of fluid delivery passageways therethrough, each of said fluiddelivery passageways being perpendicular to said longitudinal axis ofsaid secondary housing and in fluid communication with one of said mainbores in said secondary housing, each of said fluid delivery passagewaysalso being in fluid communication with a fluid collection bore whichextends through said secondary housing in a direction parallel to saidlongitudinal axis of said secondary housing, said fluid collection borebeing remotely spaced from said main bores through said secondaryhousing; and drive means operatively connected to said second end ofeach of said shaft members and positioned outside of said primaryhousing and said secondary housing for simultaneously rotating each ofsaid cartridge units around said longitudinal axis thereof, said secondend of each of said shaft members being positioned outside of and abovesaid primary housing and said secondary housing that said second end ofeach of said shaft members may be operatively connected to said drivemeans, said rotating of said cartridge units by said drive means causingsaid cartridge units to filter solid materials from said fluid materialswith increased efficiency.
 19. A high efficiency liquid filtrationsystem comprising:a primary housing comprising at least one inlet porttherein; three individual elongate filter cartridge units positionedwithin said housing in a triangular arrangement in which each of saidcartridge units is spaced equidistantly from each other, each of saidcartridge units comprising a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a closedlower end, a tubular side wall portion comprised of filter material, andan interior region therein surrounded by said side wall portion forreceiving fluid materials which pass through said side wall portion,each of said cartridge units being rotatable around said longitudinalaxis thereof and further comprising at least one outlet at said upperend for allowing said fluid materials within said interior region topass outwardly therefrom; a cartridge unit support member positionedwithin said primary housing comprising a planar upper surface, saidplanar upper surface comprising three openings therein, each of saidopenings extending partially through said support member and comprisinga biasing member positioned therein and a bearing member positioned ontop of said biasing member, said bearing member being positionedadjacent to and in contact with said lower end of one of said cartridgeunits so that said one of said cartridge units is freely rotatable onsaid bearing member; and drive means operatively connected to all ofsaid cartridge units for simultaneously rotating each of said cartridgeunits around said longitudinal axis thereof, said rotating of saidcartridge units by said drive means causing said cartridge units tofilter solid materials from said fluid materials with increasedefficiency.
 20. A high efficiency liquid filtration system comprising:aprimary housing comprising at least one inlet port therein; threeindividual elongate filter cartridge units positioned within saidhousing in a triangular arrangement in which each of said cartridgeunits is spaced equidistantly from each other, each of said cartridgeunits comprising a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a closed lower end,a tubular side wall portion comprised of filter material, and aninterior region therein surrounded by said side wall portion forreceiving fluid materials which pass through said side wall portion,each of said cartridge units being rotatable around said longitudinalaxis thereof and further comprising at least one outlet at said upperend for allowing said fluid materials within said interior region topass outwardly therefrom, each of said cartridge units furthercomprising a core member positioned within said interior region, saidcore member comprising a medial section, said medial section comprisinga first end and a second end, said core member further comprising anupper cap member secured to said first end, and a lower cap membersecured to said second end, said upper cap member comprising an upperend having an opening therein and a closed lower end opposing said upperend of said upper cap member, said opening extending downwardly fromsaid upper end of said upper cap member only through a portion of saidupper cap member and terminating in at least one longitudinal borepassing therethrough, said bore being perpendicular to and in fluidcommunication with said opening, said side wall portion of each of saidcartridge units comprising an upper end and a lower end, said upper capmember of said core member being fixedly secured to said upper end ofsaid side wall portion and said lower cap member of said core memberbeing fixedly secured to said lower end of said side wall portion sothat said medial section of said core member is positioned entirelywithin said interior region in said side wall portion, said medialsection of said core member being spaced inwardly from said side wallportion in order to form a fluid flow passageway therebetween, saidfluid flow passageway being in fluid communication with said bore insaid upper cap member so that fluid materials which pass through saidfilter material of said side wall portion travel through saidpassageway, pass through said bore in said upper cap member, andthereafter pass through said opening in said upper cap member; and drivemeans operatively connected to all of said cartridge units forsimultaneously rotating each of said cartridge units around saidlongitudinal axis thereof, said rotating of said cartridge units by saiddrive means causing said cartridge units to filter solid materials fromsaid fluid materials with increased efficiency.